Fwd: [COMFOODJOBS - put city & state ] [COMFOODJOBS - WASHINGTON, DC ] Senior Communications Associate
Sally Smyth
From: Anna Ghosh <agh...@fwwatch.org>
Date: Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 12:25 AM
Subject: [COMFOODJOBS - put city & state ] [COMFOODJOBS - WASHINGTON, DC ] Senior Communications Associate
To: "comfo...@elist.tufts.edu" <comfo...@elist.tufts.edu>
Senior Communications Associate
Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer rights organization that works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainably produced. We are seeking a Senior Communications Associate to work out of our Washington, D.C. office to implement media outreach strategies for national, regional and local campaigns. This position reports to the Communications Director.
The Senior Communications Associate will work closely with the program directors and regional organizing directors to plan and coordinate media projects. The Senior Communications Associate will serve as the media point person for Food & Water Watch on various issues but working primarily with the food team and will also work with the on-the-ground organizers to help advise and execute on campaign-winning media and social media.
The person in this writing-intensive position will be responsible for the daily creation of press materials, including press releases, news advisories, pitch letters, talking points, letters to the editor, blogs, Web content and op-eds.
Candidates must have at least four years of professional media relations experience, writing expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to multi-task and work quickly in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, strong social media experience and savvy is preferred, as is a graduate degree in communications or a background in journalism.
Specific Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and implementation of national, state and local media campaigns.
- Build and maintain relationships with reporters, columnists, editorial writers and news and talk show producers who cover those issues.
- Plan and write press materials, including press releases, news advisories, pitch letters, editorial board memos, notes to press, talking points and Web content.
- Develop and implement strategy for specific campaigns within the issue areas, and oversee/coordinate with communications staff and campaign staff on events, report deadlines, etc.
- Assist in message development, newsworthiness of content and press strategy for reports and campaigns.
- Work with communications team to devise and execute innovative new media initiatives.
- Respond to press inquiries, pitch stories to reporters and obtain op-ed placements and radio/TV interviews for staff experts.
- Maintain media database, build new media lists and research new media contacts.
- Other duties as required.
Requirements
- College degree required. A graduate degree in communications or a background in journalism is preferred.
- Proven track record of securing top tier and important niche news media coverage and established relationships with key journalists who write on food issues preferred.
- At least four years of professional experience in communications, preferably linked to issue campaigns.
- Ability to work well with a wide range of people, under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
- Quick and grammatically accurate writer and editor with a command of AP style.
- Knowledge of how the media works and what is newsworthy; familiarity with national, regional and state print and electronic media; familiarity with organizing strategies and advocacy techniques.
- Proven capacity to successfully frame and translate complex policy issues for both journalists and the public.
- Proven experience and success in developing and executing media strategies revolving around complex policy issues.
- Knowledge of food and water issues preferred.
- Experience with congressional and/or regulatory process a plus.
- Excellent interpersonal, writing and verbal skills are required.
- Good computer skills are required, including proficiency with database programs.
- Video and podcasting experience a plus.
- Demonstrable social media savvy.
- Command of writing online for high conversion goals.
- Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of Food & Water Watch.
Compensation
Competitive salary, depending upon experience. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes 100% employer paid medical/dental/vision/long-term disability, 403(b) retirement plan, and generous paid leave.
How to Apply
Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three references to res...@fwwatch.org, noting “Senior Communications Associate” in the subject line. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Food & Water Watch strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and differently-abled people to apply.
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